Validated WGS and WES protocols proved saliva-derived gDNA as an equivalent to blood-derived gDNA for clinical and population genomic analyses.

Background: Whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) have become standard methods in human clinical diagnostics as well as in population genomics (POPGEN). Blood-derived genomic DNA (gDNA) is routinely used in the clinical environment. Conversely, many POPGEN studies and commercial tests benefit from easy saliva sampling.

Speed and power-related gene polymorphisms associated with playing position in elite soccer players.

Heritability studies on sport-related traits accepted that endurance, speed, power, and strength abilities include an active genetic predisposition to elite soccer participation. This study evaluates the influence of selected genetic variants on performance in speed, power, and strength laboratory tests on a group of elite soccer players, including their playing position. A ninety-nine male elite soccer players were compared to controls (n = 107) and tested for quadriceps and hamstrings isokinetic strength at speed 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s, jump performance, and genotypes of ACTN3 (R577X, rs1815739), ACE (I/D, rs1799752), NOS3 (Glu298Asp, rs1799983), AMPD1 (34C/T, rs17602729), UCP2 (Ala55Val, rs660339), BDKRB2 (+9/-9, rs5810761) and IL1RN (VNTR 86-bp).

Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 Lineages in the Czech Republic, Analysis of Data from the First Year of the Pandemic.

In the Czech Republic, the current pandemic led to over 1.67 million SARS-CoV-2- positive cases since the recording of the first case on 1 March 2020. SARS-CoV-2 genome analysis is an important tool for effective real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) diagnostics, epidemiology monitoring, as well as vaccination strategy.

Excellent option for mass testing during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: painless self-collection and direct RT-qPCR.

The early identification of asymptomatic yet infectious cases is vital to curb the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to control the disease in the post-pandemic era. In this paper, we propose a fast, inexpensive and high-throughput approach using painless nasal-swab self-collection followed by direct RT-qPCR for the sensitive PCR detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This approach was validated in a large prospective cohort study of 1038 subjects, analysed simultaneously using (1) nasopharyngeal swabs obtained with the assistance of healthcare personnel and analysed by classic two-step RT-qPCR on RNA isolates and (2) nasal swabs obtained by self-collection and analysed with direct RT-qPCR.

Performance of Targeted Library Preparation Solutions for SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Analysis.

Single next-generation sequencing (NGS) proved to be an important tool for monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak at the global level Until today, thousands of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences have been published at GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data) but only a portion are suitable for reliable variant analysis. Here we report on the comparison of three commercially available NGS library preparation kits. We discuss advantages and limitations from the perspective of required input sample quality and data quality for advanced SARS-CoV-2 genome analysis.

Direct-RT-qPCR Detection of SARS-CoV-2 without RNA Extraction as Part of a COVID-19 Testing Strategy: From Sample to Result in One Hour.

Due to the lack of protective immunity in the general population and the absence of effective antivirals and vaccines, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues in some countries, with local epicentres emerging in others. Due to the great demand for effective COVID-19 testing programmes to control the spread of the disease, we have suggested such a testing programme that includes a rapid RT-qPCR approach without RNA extraction. The Direct-One-Step-RT-qPCR (DIOS-RT-qPCR) assay detects severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in less than one hour while maintaining the high sensitivity and specificity required of diagnostic tools.

Genome-wide Expression Profiling (with Focus on the Galectin Network) in Tumor, Transition Zone and Normal Tissue of Head and Neck Cancer: Marked Differences Between Individual Patients and the Site of Specimen Origin.

Background/aim: Expression profiling was performed to delineate and characterize the impact of malignancy by comparing tissues from three sites of head and neck cancer of each patient, also determining interindividual variability.

Materials And Methods: Genome-wide analysis was carried out covering the expression of 25,832 genes with quantification for each site of seven patients with tonsillar or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed for adhesion/growth-regulatory galectins, three pro-inflammatory chemo- and cytokines and keratins.

Characteristics of Quinolone Resistance in Isolates from Humans, Animals, and the Environment in the Czech Republic.

is a common commensal bacterial species of humans and animals that may become a troublesome pathogen causing serious diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the quinolone resistance phenotypes and genotypes in isolates of different origin from one area of the Czech Republic. isolates were obtained from hospitalized patients and outpatients, chicken farms, retailed turkeys, rooks wintering in the area, and wastewaters.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Decrease Bone Morphogenetic Protein Type 2-Induced Inflammation In Vivo.

Purpose: Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein type 2 (rhBMP-2) has been used to promote bone regeneration. In contrast, some reports have suggested rhBMP-2 does not provide advantages over autogenous bone grafting owing to the undesirable postoperative symptoms of this growth factor. Because the undesirable symptoms of rhBMP-2 are usually promoted by inflammation, this study evaluated the in vivo effect of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) incorporated into polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffolds in decreasing the inflammatory response induced by a low dose of rhBMP-2.